Hurricane Sandy: Wednesday's closures and cancellations in Hunterdon County

Check back here throughout the day Wednesday for updates. The staff of the Hunterdon County Democrat will be adding more information throughout the day.

Cancellations:

The Christie Administration announced today that the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has deployed teams of investigators to visit retail establishments in northern and southern New Jersey, in response to approximately 100 calls from consumers alleging that gas stations, sellers of generators, hotels, and other merchants that sell other essential items, have violated state law by engaging in price gouging after the Governor's declared state of emergency.

"We are actively investigating calls from across our state, alleging that gas stations have raised their prices by 20 to 30 percent in one day, that hardware stores have doubled the price they charge for generators overnight, and that hotels have excessively increased the price of rooms for residents who are without electricity or who have been evacuated from their homes," said Governor Christie. "We will not hesitate to impose the strictest penalties on profiteers who, in direct violation of our consumer protection laws, seek to capitalize on the misfortune of others in the midst of a crisis and recovery period."

New Jersey's price gouging statute, N.J.S.A. 56:8-107, et. seq., makes it illegal to set excessive price increases during a declared state of emergency or for 30 days after the termination of the state of emergency. The law defines excessive increases as any more than 10 percent higher than the price at which the merchandise was sold in the usual course of business prior to the state of emergency. If the seller faces additional costs imposed by suppliers or logistical concerns, an excessive increase is any that is 10 percent above the normal markup from cost. Violations are punishable by civil penalties of up to $10,000 for the first offense and $20,000 for the second and subsequent offenses. Each individual sale of merchandise is considered a separate and distinct event.

Consumers who suspect price gouging or any other violation of consumer protection laws, particularly as a result of Hurricane Sandy, are urged to call the Division of Consumer Affairs at (800) 242-5846. (NOTE: A different number was provided yesterday, because the Division's normal phone lines were down due to the storm. The normal hotline number has been restored. Please replace any online references to the number given yesterday).

Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa noted that, according to consumer complaints, many businesses have refused to give receipts to commemorate the sale of merchandise. Consumers should protect themselves by demanding a written receipt before paying for any item. The receipt will serve as evidence of the price they paid, and as evidence that the consumer is protected under any applicable refund policy. Consumers should keep their receipts, and be prepared to provide copies to the Division of Consumer Affairs.

"We are receiving an extraordinary volume of calls from consumers who say certain businesses are charging prices excessively higher today than they were before the state of emergency, for merchandise such as gasoline, generators, and hotel rooms -- items that people need as they recover from this unprecedented storm," Attorney General Chiesa said. "Most of the businesses out there are seeking to help their communities and New Jersey's recovery. We will take forceful action against any found to be violating the law at the expense of their fellow New Jerseyans."

Attorney General Chiesa noted that the Division of Consumer Affairs is sending teams of investigators out to businesses that are the subject of complaints, beginning today, and continuing for as long as is necessary. The Division will conduct thorough investigations, including an audit of the merchant's receipts dating back to before the state of emergency, to determine whether price gouging, or any other violation of New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act, has taken place.

"New Jerseyans who suspect any violation of our consumer protection laws, including the home repair scams and charity scams that have been known to surface during times of disaster, should immediately contact the Division of Consumer Affairs," Eric T. Kanefsky, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, said. "We are fully committed to protecting New Jersey's residents as they recover from Hurricane Sandy."

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey ) or 973-504-6200.

Hurricane Sandy Recovery Information has been posted on the sign board outside of the Delaware Township Municipal Building located on the corner of Route 604 and Route 523.

For full details, view this message on the web.

In the aftermath of storm Sandy, one of the most devastating storms to ever strike New Jersey, the Christie Administration and Department of Banking and Acting Insurance Commissioner Ken Kobylowski today offered guidance to New Jersey consumers on filing insurance claims to restore damaged homes and repair or replace property.

âThe first consideration is safety. People should wait until it is absolutely safe to return to their homes before doing so. Once people are safely able to inspect their property, there are a few basic steps they can follow to file their insurance claims, restore their property and move forward with their lives.â

âFiling claims is a significant process, especially at a time when a resident has lost a home or suffered major damage to property as a result of Sandy,â Acting Commissioner Kobylowski said. âBut it is essential to getting all the help that consumers are entitled to under their policies.â

âI urge consumers to contact their insurance carriers as soon as possible and get the process started. The Stateâs insurance companies are facing an unusual event in New Jersey, but they are prepared for an increased level of activity.â

The Acting Commissioner offered the following suggestions to New Jersey residents:

Following the Disaster:

Once it is safe to return home, assess the damage and make temporary repairs or arrange for a qualified professional to do so in order to protect your property. Most policies cover these temporary repairs if the damage is due to a covered loss. Take photos of the damage and remove personal property if your home cannot be secured. Make a list of damaged property. Do not dispose of property until an insurance adjuster has reviewed it for your claim. Many policies include reimbursement for storage costs incurred until your home is repaired.

Make sure you know what is in your policy and what coverage options are available for your cleanup and repair efforts.

If you can still live in your home, talk with your agent or insurer about critical repairs that need to be made. Whether you make the repairs or hire someone, save the receipts for your claim and take pictures of the damage before you start the temporary repairs.

If you need to find other lodging, keep records of expenses and all receipts. Homeowners and renter's insurance generally provide limited coverage for expenses like: meals, rent, utility installation and transportation if the reason you must leave your home is due to a covered loss, but if the loss is not covered, you will not be reimbursed for these additional living expenses.

Reporting Your Claim:
Most insurance companies have a time requirement for filing a claim. The process will go faster if you can locate a copy of your policy, home inventory and have your insurerâs contact information.

Call the company or visit a mobile claims center to start your claim. If you cannot find the company or agent's number, call the Department at 1-800-446-7467 or go to www.dobi.nj.gov.

You will be asked to list all items destroyed, damaged or missing. If you do not have a home inventory, begin making a list of items going room by room from memory. Include as much detail as possible, like where and when the item was purchased, the cost, brand name and model. If your car is damaged while in your garage/carport, it is covered by your automobile policy ânot your homeowners policy. If you are insured by two separate companies for these policies you must file a claim with both companies.

Handling the Claim:

Your insurance company will send an insurance adjuster to survey the damage at no cost to you. Public adjusters may offer services to represent you, but you would be responsible for any related fees, which is normally a percentage of the amount the insurance company pays you. You do not need to hire a public adjuster in order for the insurance company to adjust your claim. If you choose to hire a public adjuster, check to be sure they are licensed with the Department and ask for references and qualifications before retaining a public adjuster.

Try to be present when the adjuster inspects your property. You may also wish to have a contractor present or ask a contractor to review the adjusterâs inspection report before settling the claim.

Do not feel rushed or pushed to agree on a settlement. If there are disagreements, try to resolve them with your insurer. If you cannot reach an agreement, the Department can help you decide if arbitration or mediation is an option.

Your full claim may come in multiple payments. If you have extensive damage or cannot live in your home, the first will likely be an emergency advance and may include additional living expenses. The payment for your personal property and any additional living expenses will be made out to you. Payments for the structure may be payable to you and your lien holder if there is a mortgage on your home. Lenders may place that money in an escrow account to pay for repairs as the work is completed. If you hired a public adjuster, payment will also include the adjuster.

Repairing the Damage:

Fraudsters often take advantage of the chaos following a disaster. When choosing a contractor to make repairs, check licensing and references before hiring. Always insist on a written estimate before repairs begin and do not sign any contracts before the adjuster has examined the damage. In some cases the adjuster will want to see the estimate before you begin making repairs.

Do not pay a contractor the full amount up front or sign over your insurance settlement payment. A contractor should expect to be paid a percentage when the contract is signed and the remainder when the work is completed.

If the contractor finds hidden damage that was not discovered in the original assessment by the adjuster, contact your insurance company to resolve the difference. For any disagreements that cannot be resolved, contact the Department about your recourse.

Things to Remember:

Be aware that most homeowners or renterâs insurance policies do not cover flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), through individual insurance brokers and carriers, provides this coverage separately from standard homeowners coverage.

If your insurance company delays in responding to your claim, call the claims department to verify if they have assigned an adjuster. Verify your contact details, especially if you have evacuated your home. Call the Department if the delay is unreasonable.

Even after settling your claim, if you think of items that were not in your initial loss list, contact your insurance company. Unless the company has paid the entire limit for the coverage of those types of items, it is possible the company will make an additional payment.

If your damages exceed the amount of your coverage, federal agencies will occasionally provide grants or low-interest loans to assist with recovery following major disasters.

General Guidelines:

Please keep in mind that in the wake of a disaster of the caliber of Sandy, insurance companies are also experiencing difficulties, including handling the volume of calls they are receiving. If you cannot access your property, your insurer cannot access it either.

To be sure your claim is handled efficiently, whenever possible, make sure you have your policy number available when you report your claim. Once you have established a claim, make sure you use the claim number the company provides you in any future communication to ensure accurate claims processing.

After You Rebuild:

When you re-establish your home following the disaster, take time to do a home inventory.

Once you have completed the home inventory, talk with your agent to make sure your homeowners or renter's policy is adequate to cover your new investments.

More Information: If you have any questions about the coverage in your policy, or if you need help with a problem regarding your claim following a disaster at your home, contact the Department at 1-800-446-7467 www.dobi.nj.gov For emergency preparedness information go to: www.ready.nj.gov/. For more information on flood insurance availability through the NFIP, go to: www.floodsmart.gov.

After surveying hurricane damage with President Obama and Governor Christie, U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today called for increased support from the federal government for the cost of response efforts to Hurricane Sandy.

In a letter to President Obama, the Senators asked that the federal share for disaster response be increased from the standard 75 percent up to as high as 100 percent, due to the stormâs devastating effect on the state. President Obama has already issued a federal disaster declaration for eight New Jersey counties, making those counties eligible for federal aid, and Senators Lautenberg and Menendez have requested that additional New Jersey counties be included in this declaration.

âRecent storms in New Jersey have already placed a significant burden on our state and local governments, which have been forced to pay for disaster response and will need federal assistance for recovery from Hurricane Sandy,â the Senators wrote in their letter. âWhile we understand the federal share is typically 75 percent of these total costs, the unprecedented and extraordinary extent of damage Hurricane Sandy has caused to our state merits an adjustment to this cost-share to 90 to 100 percent federal coverage.â

The letter can be viewed here, and the full text of the letter follows:
October 31, 2012

Dear Mr. President:
We write to request that you authorize an adjustment to the federal cost-share requirement for response costs associated with Hurricane Sandy for the State New Jersey. The extraordinary scope of this disaster warrants an immediate increase in the federal portion of the cost-share from the typical 75 percent to 90 to 100 percent.

We thank you for granting a major disaster declaration for many counties in our state that have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy. More than 2.4 million people lost power as a result of the stormâand many of them are still in the darkâand public infrastructure including roadways, rail lines, utility lines, government facilities, water treatment plants, and our shoreline were severely devastated. This massive damage to local communities comes just as local governments were rebuilding following the costly damage caused by Hurricane Irene.

Recent storms in New Jersey have already placed a significant burden on our state and local governments, which have been forced to pay for disaster response and will need federal assistance for recovery from Hurricane Sandy. Under the âRobert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act,â you have the authority to adjust cost-shares for aid to states and local governments for disaster response. While we understand the federal share is typically 75 percent of these total costs, the unprecedented and extraordinary extent of damage Hurricane Sandy has caused to our state merits an adjustment to this cost-share to 90 to 100 percent federal coverage.

There is significant precedent for an adjustment to the federal cost-share requirement. Since 1986, more than 200 adjustments to the federal cost-share have been authorized, including during Hurricanes Ike, Gustav, Wilma, Katrina, and Rita.

We respectfully urge you to expeditiously grant an adjustment to the federal cost-share requirement for assistance to state and local governments for disaster response efforts. Thank you for your consideration of this important request, and we thank you for the strong support you and your entire Administration have provided to our state during this difficult time.
Sincerely,

Governor Christie has extended certain tax filing and payment deadlines for businesses whose operations were disrupted by Hurricane Sandy. Taxpayers who qualify will include businesses located in New Jersey, out-of-state businesses with operations in the State, and those whose tax records are located here.

Taxpayers who cannot meet normal filing and payment deadlines because of the storm now have until Nov. 7, 2012, to file returns and tax payments that would have been due Oct. 30 and 31.

Filings and payments covered by the state extension include Form NJ-927, Employerâs Quarterly Report; Form DSF-100, Domestic Security Fee Quarterly Return; and Form TMF-10, Transporter of Motor Fuels Report. (The Internal Revenue Service also has extended important federal tax deadlines to November 7. See www.irs.gov/News-&-Events for more information.)

If you are affected by Hurricane Sandy and the due date for filing your return or for paying your tax is extended by the New Jersey Division of Taxation, you are eligible for an interest and penalty abatement of tax that would otherwise accrue for the period of the postponement. If you receive a billing notice from the Division related to late filing and/or late payment, and the filing or payment is late because of the hurricane, call the Division at the telephone number listed on the notice to explain your circumstances.

Due to some minor damages at Fulper Family Farmstead in Lambertville, will postpone their Harvest Festival, scheduled for Nov. 3, until Saturday, Nov. 10, from 1-5 p.m.

The Department of Environmental Protection today advised facilities that operate in the public interest that it is acceptable to use home heating oil in emergency generators instead of diesel fuel as the state recovers from Hurricane Sandy.

The DEP is issuing the advisory in response to emergency management officials who are concerned that temporary disruptions in supplies of diesel fuel caused by the storm may impact essential services provided by hospitals, nursing homes, water and sewer utilities, solid waste disposal facilities and other facilities operating in the public interest.

“The DEP is taking this action due to the critical need to maintain power to essential facilities as the state recovers from this historic storm,” said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. “It is crucial that these facilities experience no disruption while crews work to restore power to the state.

The DEP worked closely with the federal Environmental Protection Agency in developing the advisory.

The types of generators that are covered by the advisory are units designed for larger power loads. They can be stationary or portable units. Small generators that are used in residences are usually designed to use gasoline and are not subject to the advisory.

The advisory is in place until Nov. 13, and will be extended if necessary. Any applicable regulatory requirements for air pollution limits from these units will be waived during this period. This will allow operators to use diesel fuel or home heating oil regardless of installation date or type of emergency generator.

Operators of emergency generators should first check manufacturer specifications before switching from diesel to home heating oil. Higher sulfur home heating oil usually can be burned in emergency diesel engines, but should be avoided in model year 2012 units rated between 175 horsepower and 700 horsepower because it may damage parts of the unit. Model year 2012 units were sold this year and in 2011.

The Members Only Reception at the Michener Art Museum, 138 S. Pine Street, Doylestown, Pa. |for Making Magic and Suspended Harmonies has been cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy.

Due to the extensive power outages, Delaware Township School will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 1 and 2.

Halloween Trick or Treat Activities are cancelled for Wednesday, Oct. 31, in Clinton Township - a new date will be announced.

The Clinton Township Curfew will remain in effect. This restricts any persons under the age of 18 from being outside their residence after 10 p.m.

Pursuant to § 104-1 of the Township Code; “Hours:”
It shall be unlawful for any juvenile under the age of 18 to be on any public street or public place within the Township between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., from Oct. 25 through Nov. 2, annually, unless the juvenile is accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other person having legal custody or unless the juvenile is engaged in errands for medical emergencies or is attending extracurricular school activities, activities sponsored by religious or community-based organizations, and other cultural, educational and social events after 10 p.m. and before 6 a.m.

This is imperative for everyone’s safety that parents adhere to this restriction due to down power lines that may be energized and debris that may break loose from damaged trees.

For Power Outages, contact JCP&L at 1-888-LIGHTSS.

The Clinton Township Office of Emergency Management can be reached at 908- 735-6382, if there is no answer, call 908-735-7233.

JCP&L has made an initial provision for water & ice. The only location currently is at the Flemington ShopRite. Call before heading to the store to confirm availability.

Due to impending shortages, the Clinton Township Office of Emergency Management is urging residents to restrict their use of fuel and water to essential use only.

Those residents who wish to charge their cell phones and other electronic equipment may respond to the Annandale Firehouse on Beaver Avenue (Route 626).

Residents are asked to call the Annandale Hose Company ahead of time to confirm that the service is still available. The number to call is 908-735-6382.

Clinton Public School will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 1.

Both North Hunterdon and Voorhees High schools will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 1, and Friday, Nov. 2, due to continuing unsafe road conditions and widespread power outages.

South Hunterdon Regional High School will be closed for the remainder of the week and we are scheduled to re-open on Monday, Nov. 5.

Citing the need to ensure the safety of the public amid the continued state of emergency in New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie today signed Executive Order 105, postponing Halloween celebrations across New Jersey until Monday, Nov. 5, as a result of continued unsafe conditions in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Raritan Township has widespread damage and on recommendation of Raritan Township Office Emergency Management, Mayor Elbert advises Raritan Township will follow the Governors recommendation and move Halloween Trick or Treating to Nov. 5. A copy of Executive Order 105 can be found at: http://nj.gov/infobank/circular/eocc105.pdf

Oxford Valley Mall is open and will be doing trick or treating with all the shops from 4:30-6:30 p.m. They can all assume it could be a mob scene but it could be a perfect solution to save Halloween for the kids.

HunterdonBucks wanted to get this out to everyone in hopes to make a lasting memory for you.

DELAWARE TWP. — The 39th annual Thanksgiving in the Country house tour scheduled for Nov. 3 and 4 is being cancelled, although the luncheon and a bake sale at Sergeantsville Methodist Church is still on, volunteer organizers reported on Halloween.

The tour benefits the facial reconstruction unit at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Volunteer Dana Barsi said every house on the tour remains without power and "logistically it's a nightmare to" reach the houses. "Too many roads are closed."

The luncheon and bake sale at the church is still scheduled to be held Nov. 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It costs $10 and includes a choice of two soups, sandwich and dessert, called "Thanksgiving in the Country to the Rescue."

Organizers will refund pre-purchased tour tickets to those who contact them at thanksgivinginthecountry.com by Dec. 1. Otherwise the money becomes a donation to Children's Hospital.

Governor Chris Christie Postpones Halloween Celebrations to Ensure Public Safety in the Aftermath of October Storm.

Trenton — Citing the need to ensure the safety of the public amid the continued state of emergency in New Jersey, Gov. Chris Christie signed Executive Order 105, postponing Halloween celebrations across New Jersey until Monday, Nov. 5, as a result of continued unsafe conditions in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

The damage sustained from Hurricane Sandy poses a continued threat to public safety in communities across New Jersey due to flooding, fallen trees, downed power lines, roadway closures, and disruptions in electrical service, making it unsafe and imprudent to participate in traditional celebrations, such as trick-or-treat walks.

Local officials are advised to notify and encourage their communities and residents to delay any planned celebrations until Monday.

Due to the recent storm many games around, the state have been postponed or rescheduled. We are currently waiting on word from the NJSIAA as to the plan moving forward with the state tournaments. As soon as a decision is made we will provide you with more information.

As of Oct. 31 the schedule for South Hunterdon High School is as follows:

Girls Varsity Field Hockey @ Keyport (TBA)

Boys Soccer @ New Egypt (Thurs, Nov. 1) 2 p.m.

Varisty Football Home vs. Sussex Tech game moved to (Sat, Nov. 3) 1 p.m.

Due to the recent storm and ongoing clean-up efforts, there will be no Trick or Treating on Oct. 31 the Town of Clinton. A make-up date will be announced soon.

School will resume today for Hampton Township Schools.

In addition to those previously mentioned, these schools will be closed on Wednesday: Hunterdon Central, Delaware Township, East Amwell Township, Flemington-Raritan, Frenchtown (will reopen on Thursday), High Bridge, Holland Township, Lebanon, Readington Township and West Amwell Township.

Lebanon Township schools will be closed again on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Tewksbury Township schools will be closed through Friday, Nov. 2.

Trick-or-treating in Clinton Township, planned for Wednesday, Oct. 31, has been postponed, due to downed lines and trees in the village of Annadale. Plans are to have trick-or-treating another day, but officials aren't sure yet when that will be. "We don't know when it'll be cleaned up, it's that bad," said Clerk Donna Burham. There's no electricity at the municipal building today (Tuesday), and Burham said people can call her extension and leave a message- she's checking them from home. The number is 908-735-8800, ext. 204.

Trick-or-treating in Flemington and Raritan Township has been cancelled.

Trick-or-treating in Frenchtown, previously scheduled for Oct. 31, has been postponed due to safety concerns over downed wires and power outages to Sunday, Nov. 4, 3-5 p.m. Police, fire and CERT will be stationed in town to assist.

Due to the extensive power outages, Delaware Township School will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Both North Hunterdon and Voorhees High Schools will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 31 due to the dangerous conditions from Hurricane Sandy and widespread power outages. In the event that they need to extend the closing to Thursday, additional information will be posted.

In Bethlehem Townshipb schools are closed Wednesday. The Sports Banquet for Oct. 30 has been postponed.

Clinton Township schools will be closed on Wednesday.

Del Val High School will be closed on Wednesday.

1:00 p.m. South Hunterdon High School will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Superior Court in Flemington will be closed Wednesday, Oct/ 31.

All driver's test scheduled for Oct. 29-31 at the Motor Vehicles office in Raritan Township will be rescheduled.

The commuter parking lot of Route 12 in Flemington near Liberty Village Premium Outlets was closed at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28, until further notice.

Road Closures:

The Lumberton-Raven Rock pedestrian bridge that spans the Delaware River between Solebury Township, Pa. and Bulls Island Park in Delaware Township was closed at 9:30 a.m. by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission.

The bridge will reopen when the state park reopens, officials said. Bridge Commission clerical offices are closed due to the storm.